Electrical Workers’ Headquarters Receives LEED Gold

By Liviu Oltean, Associate Editor

The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers’ recently renovated headquarters has received LEED Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.

The renovation of the headquarters was managed by Architects Hawaii, the only Hawaii-based firm that ranked in the nation’s Top 100 Green Design Firms, according to the Engineering News-Record (July 2011).

The property received the certification for implementing plumbing fixtures that reduce water usage by 40 percent; diverting 61 percent of construction waster through recycling; using renewable materials and efficient lighting; and installing solar tubes.

Bill Brizee, president and CEO of Architects Hawaii President, said that Architects Hawaii is fortunate for finding partners that have a genuine commitment to the environment.

To pay homage to the importance of electrical workers in Hawaii’s green building industry, the headquarters was designed with an open ceiling that showcases the cabling installation, wiring and the electrical work of the building.

In regional news, the Pacific Business News reports that the Weinberg Sea Winds Apartments is at full capacity. The affordable housing project was developed by Housing Solutions Inc., and was funded by Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, the City and County of Honolulu, the federal Economic Development Initiative and the federal Neighborhood Stabilization Program.

In July 2011, HSI started accepting applications for the apartments. The project, located on 4.3 acres at 85-295 Kauiokalani Palace, includes 30 town homes and 20 transitional studios.

Terry Brook, HIS President, said that the project’s occupancy rate proves and redefines how an affordable housing project can be improved when there is good collaboration between the government and the nonprofit sector.